The NNPC Ltd/FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited Joint Venture recently concluded its third annual medical outreach program in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to community health and sustainable development. This impactful initiative provided essential medical services to over 3,800 individuals across eleven host communities within the KEFFESO region, encompassing Koluama 1 & 2, Ekeni, Fishtown, Foropa, Ezetu 1 & 2, Sangana, Oginibiri, Okumbiri, and Okumbiribeleu. The outreach, conducted over five days from January 29th to February 2nd, 2025, encompassed a comprehensive range of healthcare services, ensuring accessible and improved medical support for residents.
The medical outreach addressed a variety of health needs, offering general medical consultations, laboratory tests for diagnostic purposes, vision screenings coupled with prescription eyeglasses for those requiring them, and comprehensive dental care, including fillings, cleanings, and extractions. Recognizing the importance of preventive care, the program also distributed treated mosquito nets to safeguard pregnant women and children against malaria, deworming medication to combat parasitic infections, sanitary products to promote hygiene, and oral hygiene kits to encourage healthy dental practices. This multi-faceted approach aimed to not only address immediate health concerns but also to equip individuals with the resources necessary for continued well-being.
A skilled multidisciplinary team, comprising doctors, nurses, Community Health Extension Workers, dentists, optometrists, and other healthcare professionals, collaborated to deliver comprehensive care to the beneficiaries. This collaborative effort ensured the effective and efficient provision of services across the various communities, maximizing the outreach’s impact and ensuring that a wide range of healthcare needs were met. The presence of Community Health Extension Workers further strengthened the program by integrating local knowledge and fostering community participation in health promotion.
Representatives from both NNPC Ltd and FIRST E&P emphasized the significance of the medical outreach as a core component of their corporate social responsibility and commitment to sustainable development. Oluwaseyi Omotowa, Chief Upstream Investment Officer at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, highlighted the central role of such CSR initiatives in demonstrating the company’s dedication to providing sustainable healthcare solutions to their host communities. Mr. Alexander Igwe, NUIMS Media Advisor, represented Mr. Omotowa at the outreach’s commencement. Emmanuel Etomi, Executive Director of Corporate Services at FIRST E&P, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of community health as a foundation for overall societal well-being. Mr. Etomi was represented by Ayebatonye Benjamin-Basuo, Head of Social Performance at FIRST E&P. Their statements underscored the companies’ shared vision of fostering healthy and thriving communities.
External stakeholders also recognized and commended the program’s positive impact. Dr. Ngowari Torunana, Director of Medical Services at the Bayelsa State Ministry of Health, lauded the initiative for effectively addressing significant healthcare disparities in the region. His Royal Highness of Mokoama Sangana Kingdom, Moses Theophilus, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the eleven beneficiary communities, acknowledging the outreach’s substantial contribution to improving their well-being. These endorsements from both governmental and community leaders further validate the program’s effectiveness and its importance within the broader context of regional healthcare development.
The NNPC Ltd/FIRST E&P joint venture has established a consistent commitment to sustainable community development through impactful initiatives that prioritize improved health, well-being, and quality of life for its host communities. This third annual medical outreach serves as a testament to their ongoing dedication and underscores their commitment to long-term, positive change in the region. The collaborative nature of the program, involving both corporate entities and local stakeholders, highlights the power of partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals and improving the overall health and well-being of communities. The program’s comprehensive approach, encompassing both immediate medical care and preventive health measures, further emphasizes the JV’s dedication to creating a lasting positive impact.
